Storms Damage Interceptor Boom 'Beyond Repair'
MARINA DEL REY, CA — After a very busy and intense month of storms in Los Angeles County, the Ballona Creek Interceptor’s northern trash barrier sustained irreparable damage and needed to be replaced.
At the beginning of February, Interceptor 007’s northern boom, which helps lead trash into the mouth of the machine. Trash was diverted by the southern barrier, allowing the Interceptor to remain semi-operational.
On Feb. 19, a replacement boom was deployed and continues to stay in Ballona Creek as many additional rain storms will likely continue to test the machine’s abilities.
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To date, the interceptor has prevented over 110 tons of trash and debris from reaching the ocean and local beaches.
“The Interceptor pilot program has yielded numerous benefits not only in helping to combat pollution in the Ballona Creek, but also in fostering innovation and learning, as well as promoting collaboration and partnerships among local and international partners,” LA Public Works spokesperson Lisette Guzman said.
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Interceptor 007 launched on Oct. 22, 2023 and was provided completely free by the Dutch non-profit organization The Ocean Cleanup to help put a bigger spotlight on conservation
efforts. Guzman said the interceptor raises awareness about the impact of pollution in local waterways and encourages people to be more active in protecting natural resources.
Before the February storms damaged the interceptor, no major repairs were needed during the pilot program, which ends this April.County officials will decide whether to continue to use the interceptor after the completion of the pilot program.
“The beaches of LA are world famous, so if we can show the effect here, I think that message will travel far and wide,” The Ocean Cleanup’s CEO Boyan Slat said. “This might actually become the most important interceptor that we will ever deploy.”
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